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Abduction: Why govt won’t negotiate with kidnappers for victims’ release

Published

3 months ago

June 5, 2026

Oyo State House of Assembly has rejected calls for negotiations with kidnappers responsible for the abduction of pupils, students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, urging security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the victims’ release.

The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by the member representing Oriire State Constituency, Johnson Ogundele, during plenary on Thursday.

Ogundele drew the attention of lawmakers to recurring attacks on communities within the local government area, recalling that armed bandits invaded schools in Esinele, Oyo and Yawota communities on May 15. The attack reportedly claimed the lives of a teacher, a student and a commercial motorcyclist, while dozens of pupils and teachers were abducted.

The lawmaker also referenced previous attacks in the area, including an assault on the National Park Service office in Oloka village, where five forest guards were killed.

Following deliberations, the Assembly called on the state government to strengthen support for security agencies and establish a permanent military base in vulnerable communities and forest corridors prone to attacks.

Lawmakers further directed the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) to conduct security audits of schools located near forests and border communities.

Other recommendations included the installation of solar-powered security lights, perimeter fencing and closed-circuit television (CCTV) surveillance systems in vulnerable schools. The Assembly also advocated the development of a comprehensive Safe School Emergency Response Protocol across the state.

Speaker of the House, Adebo Ogundoyin, firmly opposed any proposal for the government to negotiate with terrorists.

While sympathising with families of those still in captivity, Ogundoyin warned that engaging kidnappers in negotiations would embolden criminal groups and encourage further attacks.

He maintained that sustained security operations, intelligence gathering and coordinated rescue missions remained the most effective response to the crisis.

Majority Leader Sanjo Adedoyin renewed calls for the establishment of state police, arguing that recent rescue operations had exposed the limitations of conventional security agencies operating in difficult forest terrains without the support of local vigilantes and Amotekun personnel.

Meanwhile, security was heightened around the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday amid plans for a protest over the abduction of the pupils, students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.

A combined team of military personnel, police officers and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) mounted security cordons around the Presidential Villa, restricting access to residents, workers and individuals with verified official engagements within the State House complex.

The security measures affected the two major access routes leading to the Villa—the Federal Secretariat and Supreme Court axis, as well as the Asokoro route—where security personnel were deployed in large numbers from the early hours of the day.

Visitors were subjected to thorough screening at various checkpoints.

The heightened security followed threats by activist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, to lead a protest march to the Presidential Villa if the abducted schoolchildren and teachers were not rescued by Thursday.

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Why I returned N.4m forgotten by passenger- Commercial driver

Published

7 minutes ago

September 15, 2026

News Diggers

By Philippine Duru

philippineobetoduru@gmail.com

A commercial bus driver, Mr Onyekachi Ikpendu, has explained why he returned more than N400,000 in cash and other personal belongings left behind in his vehicle by a passenger in Abia State.

The passenger, Mrs. Nkechi John, a petty trader, had boarded Ikpendu’s bus from Uzuakoli to Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal before alighting at Ubani Market.

Unknown to her, she left behind a bag containing the cash, which she said was meant for her business, as well as other personal effects.

After discovering her loss, Mrs. John immediately headed to the Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal in search of the vehicle.

She was, however, relieved to find that Ikpendu had secured the bag and its contents and was waiting for the owner to return.

Explaining his decision to return the money, Ikpendu said his conscience would not allow him to keep what belonged to another person.

“I am grateful because I am not eating somebody’s sweat; I am eating my own.

“No amount of money I see now will move me to take what does not belong to me,” he said.

The driver added that honesty was more valuable to him than the money, stressing that he believed God rewards people who do the right thing.

“I have no intention of keeping somebody’s money. I believe God rewards honesty and good deeds,” he added.

Speaking after recovering her belongings, Mrs. John expressed gratitude to the driver for his honesty and commended the Abia State Government for establishing the Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal.

She said the terminal made it easier for her to trace the vehicle and recover her money, adding that the incident could have ended differently if there had been no organised terminal from which to trace the bus.

Reacting to the development, the Abia State Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Isaac Ukaegbu, commended Ikpendu for demonstrating what he described as integrity, sincerity and commitment.

Ukaegbu said the driver’s action provided a positive example of responsible citizenship and should encourage others to always do the right thing.

He also described the incident as an indication of a changing mindset among residents of the state, which he attributed to the leadership of Governor Alex Otti.

“Our people are showing gratitude to His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, for the good work.

“Honestly, the mindset of the people is changing towards doing the right thing without even being compelled to do so,” the commissioner said.

Ukaegbu urged residents to continue to uphold honesty and integrity in their daily dealings, saying Ikpendu’s action deserved commendation and emula

News

Kidnapped monarch dies after regaining freedom

Published

39 minutes ago

September 15, 2026

News Diggers

By Philippine Duru

pilippineobetoduru@gmail.com

08034905774

The Onigbesi of Igbesi Land in Isin Local Government Area of Kwara State, Oba Moses Oyinloye Iwedunmoye I, has died days after regaining his freedom from his abductors.

The traditional ruler was kidnapped on August 22, 2026, when gunmen invaded Igbesi community and abducted him.

He was later released after spending several days in captivity.

President of Omo Ibile Igbomina, Comrade Bisi Fakayode, announced the monarch’s death on Friday, expressing sadness over the development and praying for the repose of his soul.

One of the deceased monarch’s sons, Prince Olasunkanmi, confirmed that his father died at a hospital in the early hours of Saturday following a brief illness after his release.

“Yes, the news is true. He died after a brief illness following his release. We took him to the hospital, hoping he would survive, but he died there very early this morning,” Olasunkanmi said.

The monarch’s death came days after he was rescued from his abductors during a security operation around the Elerin/Ijomu-Oro axis of the state.

The Kwara State Police Command had confirmed the rescue of Oba Iwedunmoye and two other kidnapped victims during the operation.

The command said the rescue operation followed information received at about 10am at the Oro Police Station from a vigilante who reported that one of his men had sustained a gunshot injury while operating in the bush around Elerin/Ijomu-Oro.

Security operatives subsequently moved into the area, leading to the rescue of the kidnapped victims.

News

Popular bishop shot dead

Published

48 minutes ago

September 15, 2026

News Diggers

By Philippine Duru

philippineobetoduru@yahoo.com

A Nigerian cleric, Bishop Taiwo Michael Fakunle, has been shot dead at his residence in Kensington, Johannesburg, South Africa.

The Nigerian Citizens Association, South Africa (NICASA), which announced the incident yesterday, said Fakunle, an indigene of Ekiti State, was killed by two unidentified persons who gained access to his residence.

National President of NICASA, Rev. Frank Onyekwelu, said the suspects opened fire on the bishop multiple times, reportedly firing more than seven bullets.

Onyekwelu said the association had formally notified the Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg about the killing, while a murder case had been opened at the Jeppe Police Station.

He called on the South African Police Service (SAPS), in collaboration with Nigerian diplomatic authorities, to conduct a thorough investigation into the killing and ensure that the perpetrators are arrested and brought to justice.

According to him, the killing was not only a devastating loss to Fakunle’s family but also a painful blow to the Nigerian community in South Africa.

“According to the information available to NICASA, two suspects gained access to his residence and opened fire on him, reportedly discharging more than seven bullets.

“This was not merely an ordinary loss of life; it was a horrific and senseless act of violence that has robbed a family of a loved one and the Nigerian community of another precious life,” Onyekwelu said.

NICASA expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding the killing and urged the relevant authorities to ensure that the investigation is comprehensive and transparent.

The association also appealed to Nigerian diplomatic representatives to closely monitor the investigation and support the deceased’s family and the wider Nigerian community in South Africa.